The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1887-12-01
THE NICARAGUA CANAL.
First General Ou,I,n-s of the PIans-To Cost
About S5O,OOO,OOO.
Garper's Weekly.

6Rrper's weekly.
In 1884 treaty was concluded with Nicaragua
by virtue of which that government empowered
the United States to build interoceanic canal
at such point in the territory of Nicaragua as
might seem most expedient For various rea-
sons, but chiefly owing to possible complications
arising out of the ambiguous Clayton Bulwer
treaty, to which we have already alluded, the
Senate declined to ratify this convention. But
while it yet under consideration President
Arthur authorized survey to make further
notifications in the route outlined by Com
mander Lull which, in the words of Mr.. Chand-
Ter, Secretary of the Navy. understood to
be substantially that already selected"
In the report submitted by Mr.. Menocal in
1886, while following the main lines submitted
by Commander Lull. he makes several modifca-
tions which seem to simplify the problem and
add to its feasibility. In the first place. he set
ties the question, hitherto in doubt. as to the
points between the Pacific and Lake Nicaragua
by definitely locating the lake entrance of the
canal at the mouth of the Rio Lajas; he reduces
the distance from $50. rs miles to 1898 miles
and the length of the actual cuttings required
from 81. miles TO 40.3 miles, and by raising the
summit level three feet increases it from 102
miles to IA miles-a wonderful advantage
while he reduces the number of locks from
twenty one to seven, possibly eight. By
these notifications he is also able to reduce the
time required for ship to pass from ocean to
ocean from thirty seven hours to thirty hours.
1t should be added that since the previous
surveys the increased size of ships and the et-
perience obtained at the Suez canal have led to
enlarged measurements in the proposed depth
and width of the prism of the canal. which is
most fortunate circumstance, for If the origl-
nal proportions had been followed the canal
would now be subjected TO the necessity of en-
largement at great expense, which has been the
case with the Suez canal Although the treaty
failed of ratification it resulted as we see. in
very important and most valua bic survey, which
was so satisfactory, coming as it did at time
when the projectors of the canal of Panama
found it necessary to add largely to their capital
and postpone several years the date assigned for
the completion of that undertaking. that it led
to the formation of a responsible association of
experience, capitalists They discerned that
the canal, in the only really feasible location
before Germany or England should step in, and
by doing greatly delay complicate scheme
accomplish and control This association or
syndicate, conscious of the approval of the
country in undertaking this great national task
asks nothing from our government, but natur-
ally expects friendly sympathy and moral sup
port. In proof of its responsibility and deter
mination it has secured concession from the
government of Nicaragua allowing period of
three years within which to commence oper-
atoms, and grant of one million acres of land.
The people OF Nicaragua show wise fore
sight in Offering us these advantages, which
should meet with cordial acceptance our
part.
The passage is to be entirely through the ter.
ritory OF Nicaragua. excepting III a limited por-
ton of the eastern division, where. by q recent
revision of the boundary lines. Co Ia Rca is ad-
mitted to claim the southern bank OF the river
at spot where it will be available for the move
ment of ships. But by a convention now under
consideration between these two republics,
Costa RIGA agrees to accept all the conditions
granted to the American company now engaged
in building this canal The boundary questions
in issue have by common agreement been left
to the arbitration of the President of the United
States. In any case the question offers no in
superable difficulties, and can in event delay
the construction OF the canal. Both Nicaragua
and Costa RIGA naturally interested in see-
ing it speedy success. The summit level of
the canal above the mean sea level is Ito feet;
the exact distance from sea to ser is precisely
1898 miles, and of this only 80 50 miles are to be
actual cutting excavation, leaving nearly
100 80 miles TO be navigated on Lake Nicaragua
and the river San Juan-an enormous advan-
tage and one which. owing to the size of Lake
Nicaragua and the adjoining Lake Managua
makes this advantage permanent. The summit
level is TO be reached by three locks,
or possibly four locks from the Atlantic,
and four from the Pacific. There some who
greatly opposed to ship canal with locks.
NJ De Lesseps is prominent example, and he
therefore undertook tide level passage at Da-
rien, contrary to the opinion of some of the ablest
explorers in Central America and of SO famous
an engineer as Sir John Hawkshaw. The locks
ties.
Already, the occasion arrived, the device
has also come for meeting the unusual extent of
these locks. The length of the lock chambers is
$50 feet and the width % feet-dimensions cap
able of admitting every ship afioat, including
the Great Eastern. No. 3, which may be d.
vided into two locks. will be cut out of solid
rock. but the others are to have timber and con-
crete foundations and the cavities as they may
occur viii be filed with concrete. The real
question to solve in regard to these locks is the